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Responding to Leaks (Sep 29, 2014)

In a drought, customers often ask what their water providers do to avoid wasting water, especially in fixing system leaks. Our customers can be assured that Monte Vista Water District responds to all leak reports in a timely manner, following required industry procedures that protect the safety of our workers and the public.

For typical leaks that do not pose an immediate threat to the public or to property, the District is required to file a "Dig Alert" and request other utilities to mark the location of their infrastructure (gas, electric, telephone, cable) prior to our digging in the street. We are required to allow at least two (2) full working days, not including the date of notification, for utilities to respond to Dig Alerts. For severe leaks that are causing or threaten to cause damage to property or physical injury, the District will attempt to immediately and safely fix the leak.

While the District can't predict where and when a leak may occur, we respond to all leak reports immediately and prioritize their repair based on standard industry procedures focused on the protection of public safety and property. At the same time, the District is implementing a 30-year, $100 million capital improvement program to replace pipelines that have reached the end of their service life. We also conduct ongoing evaluations of our distribution system losses, which are typically below industry standards.